USA

Germany

Germany has advanced dramatically since the days of Liebfraumilch and cheap Hock, and can be considered still to be the finest producer of riesling in the world. Aromatic and concentrated with great longevity, German riesling really is one of the world's classics - don't write them off based on recent history - remember Christies used to quote Hock in the fine wine sales once, and it would fetch much the same as first growth Bordeaux. Ah how history moves on.

Italy

Italy has been growing grapes since wine was the nectar of the Gods and no war against the Greeks was fought without a wine-dark sea in the background. The Italian's strength is their wonderful array of indigenous varieties that produce such amazingly varied wines. From the great Barolo of Piedmont and the bracingly dry and characterful Chianti of Tuscany to elegant, nutty whites of Sicily and the rugged primitovo of Puglia, all are individual and interesting and definitely worth trying.

Morocco

New Zealand

The modern classic wine growing country. Their wine production derived mostly from their failing dairy industry, with land and technology available, they then discovered that their climate is nigh-on perfect for grape growing. The result? Absolutely amazing wines. Their sauvignon blancs are rivalling those from Sancerre and Menetou-Salon, and pinot noirs from Central Otago are really giving Burgundy a run for its money. Superb wines, not cheap, but really good value.

Portugal

Still best known for their great fortified Ports, although there is a recent trend to make brilliant still wines from the upper reaches of the Douro from the Port grapes. It makes sense really, as not every year is declared for vintage port. Interestingly Portugal is the seventh largest wine producer, but most of it except Port and Mateus Rose is kept for local consumption.

South Africa

Boasting a near perfect climate and ripening conditions, South Africa has emerged as a major player on the world stage. The recent privatisation of the KWV co-operative and the emergence of single estate wines have done much to boost the image and quality of South African wines. The development of high quality pinotage and clean, modern chenin blancs and improved viticultural techniques have enhanced this image and South Africa is now a real contender.

Spain

Spain is the second largest wine producer in the world. The wines of Rioja and Jerez (Sherry) have always been famous, but Spain has now emerged as a country with a diverse and interesting range of quality wines from its many distinct and individual regions. Areas like Jumilla, Navarra, Yecla and Valdepenas are vying with the famous Rioja wines for supremacy. Value allied to quality, style and character are the hallmarks of Spanish wines. Great stuff, go for it.

USA

California accounts for over 90% of North America's wine output and the bulk of this is from the Sonoma and Napa valleys, north of San Francisco. The Californians have moved beyond the production of 'jug wines' for the home market and are now making fine, concentrated wines of immense quality. They still have a penchant for plenty of oak, but this has been restrained recently for the export market. Great wines are flooding forth and there is some interesting experimentation with lesser varieties.